| The majesty of a wild animal in their natural | | | | sanctuaries afford the best chance of |
| habitat is unmatched. Animal watching can be | | | | spotting one of these large brown bears. |
| a great way to catch a glimpse of the | | | | |
| splendor of nature. A recreational hike or a | | | | Black Bear: May - September |
| ride through scenic roadways can afford one | | | | |
| the opportunity to see many animals. It is | | | | The black bear has a much larger habitat, |
| important to understand when and where to see | | | | ranging from the Arctic Circle down to |
| different animals so you are prepared when | | | | Mexico. It lives in the forests and |
| you strike out on a trek to spot that | | | | mountains, and like its brown bear |
| magnificent creature. Forays into nature | | | | counterpart, can be spotted from late spring |
| during late summer and early fall, August | | | | to early fall. Northern forests or the |
| through October, are great times to catch | | | | Appalachian mountain range make great areas |
| some magnificent sites. | | | | to spot a black bear. It is active in the |
| | | | fall preparing for hibernation. This bear |
| Moose: August - October | | | | can often be spotted foraging in berry |
| | | | patches and along rivers. They are also |
| The moose is one of those great beasts that | | | | often found around dump sites, or anywhere |
| many people set out to spot. It can be seen | | | | food might be left unattended for long |
| throughout the Northern Hemisphere, | | | | periods. The black bear is spooked easily so |
| especially in the northern, coniferous | | | | observance from a distance is the best bet. |
| forests. It is an awe-inspiring animal that | | | | |
| can reach heights of 7 feet and weigh as much | | | | Bison/Buffalo: July - October |
| as 1,500 pounds. It is easily spotted during | | | | |
| a drive along undeveloped areas of the | | | | Bison, or buffalo, are an endangered species |
| highway or through scenic roadways. They can | | | | due to extreme hunting practices during the |
| also be spotted on trips down the many | | | | early to mid-19th century. Most of the bison |
| waterways in New England. They like to munch | | | | today are located in Yellowstone National |
| on the tender water plants and the ferns and | | | | Park. They run free within the park and can |
| young trees along clearings and roadways. | | | | be seen throughout the area. Bison mate from |
| Late summer and early fall, as the nights | | | | July to early August and the calves are born |
| begin to cool, is the best time to spot these | | | | in April or May. These young bison can be |
| giants. Early morning and dusk are common | | | | seen in late spring and early summer. Bison |
| times for moose to be out and about. | | | | can be seen throughout the summer and they |
| | | | are easy to spot on the prairies during late |
| Grizzly Bear: June - September | | | | summer and early fall as they get ready for |
| | | | winter. |
| The grizzly bear can be seen along the | | | | |
| Western Mountain range, from Northern | | | | It is important to be safe and give the |
| California to Alaska. Alaska and Western | | | | animals their distance when observing them. |
| Canada have a higher population than the | | | | Many people have been seriously injured or |
| continental U.S. These bears often make | | | | killed due to pushing too close. The animals |
| their way to the coast for the running of the | | | | will often ignore watchers who keep a |
| salmon and can be seen along many streams and | | | | distance and this provides the best |
| rivers. They can be seen from June to | | | | opportunity to see them in their natural |
| September fishing, lounging in the | | | | setting. Pack a lunch, put on the hiking |
| underbrush, or eating young shoots and | | | | boots, or jump in the car, and head out to |
| berries. Some of Alaska's parks and | | | | watch these splendid creatures. |